SNC-Lavalin wins contract for large-scale sulphuric acid project in Saudi Arabia

MONTREAL, Feb. 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC), in consortium with Sinopec Engineering Group (SEG), has signed a contract with Ma'aden in Saudi Arabia to provide engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and start-up services for a three-line 15,150-metric-tonne-per-day sulphuric acid plant. Also included in the agreement are two 75-MW power plants that will recover heat generated by the acid plant operations.  The total value of the contract is approximately USD$764 million with SNC-Lavalin's portion estimated at USD$500 million.

The project was awarded as part of Ma'aden's Waad Al Shamal Phosphate Project, which involves the conversion of phosphate ore from the Al Khabra mine into various end products, primarily for the agricultural sector. The contract signing was formalized at a ceremony held in Turaif, Saudi Arabia today with the participation of the Saudi Royal Family, Government Ministers and various dignitaries.

The sulphuric acid plant will use industry leading technology from MECS, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of DuPont) to produce acid and generate power through the efficient recovery of process waste heat. The project, scheduled to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2016, will be one of the largest complexes of its kind.

"We are honoured to be part of a project that will support Ma'aden in its mandate to develop its mineral resources and increase industrial development in the Northern Province and Al-Jouf areas of Saudi Arabia," said Dale Clarke, Executive Vice-President, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.

SNC-Lavalin is a longstanding leader in the sulphuric acid industry, having successfully installed more than 60 plants around the world over the past 25 years.

Ma'aden is a leading mining and metals company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a diverse portfolio of mineral assets at various stages of development including exploration, development and production. Ma'aden has a broad commodity focus spanning gold, phosphate, aluminium, magnesia, low-grade bauxite, industrial minerals, and is continually assessing opportunities to enter into new commodities that demonstrate strong long-term fundamentals and opportunities for growth. Ma'aden's objective is to become a world class diversified mining and minerals company, and to enhance overall value for its shareholders. Their mission is to be a profitable, publicly owned, international mining company, while maintaining the utmost concern for human resources, health and safety, the environment and social issues. For more information please visit www.maaden.com.sa.

SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, and is a major player in the ownership of infrastructure and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 40 other countries around the world, and is currently active in some 100 countries.  www.snclavalin.com

SOURCE: SNC-Lavalin